Y Plas, Cardiff University Students Union
Thurs 25 Oct
There’ll be six musicians on the stage during this evening, all of whom were in the game by the mid-1980s – some well bedded in by then, in fact. That’s more than two centuries of collective endeavour, even before you throw their catalogue highlights on the table. Can you put a price on experience?
Melvins formed as a trio in early-80s Washington state, coming to influence (what became) grunge as well as all types of slow-tempo metal. Their lineups have changed frequently in the decades hence, the two constants being singer/guitarist Buzz Osbourne and drummer Dale Crover. Currently, they’re joined by two bassists: Steve McDonald, who formed punk band Redd Kross as a tween in the late 70s, and Jeff Pinkus, best known as a peak-era member of Texan wildmen Butthole Surfers and inspiration for the title of Melvins’ latest album, Pinkus Abortion Technician.
Tour support Jon Spencer first showed his mettle as a member of Pussy Galore, an NYC band who hitched a garage punk sound to noise/industrial shock tactics, before becoming a 90s indie celeb in the Blues Explosion. He’s got a new solo album – Spencer Sings The Hits!, a sassy racket that fair rolls back the years – and will be joined on tour by Bob Bert, notable for thumping tubs on the first few Sonic Youth LPs.
Tickets: £28. Info: 029 2078 1458 / www.cardiffstudents.com (NG)